BET Announces 2014 Hip Hop Awards Nominees

Image Credit: BET Networks (BET.com)

Who's got next up in the cypher? It's time to hold it down for the real emcees! On September 4, BET revealed the list and nominees for their 2014 Hip Hop Awards. From the look of things, the Young Money brother and sister duo will be taking over the scene. Drake leads the pack with eight nominations while Nicki Minaj follows behind him with five. Jay Z , Pharrell, and Future  each racked up six nominations a piece. But what really caught my eye is the fierce competition between Drizzy, Future, Iggy Azalea, Wiz Khalifa and YG for the "People's Champ Award." With all those heavy-hitters in one category, I can only imagine who's going to come out on top.

You can check out who takes home the goldon October 14 at 8/7c  when the legendary Snoop Dogg returns to the big screen as the host of the event. 

Check out all the awards and nominees in its entirety below: 

Best Hip-Hop Video: Drake – “Worst Behavior,” Future f/ Pharrell, Pusha T & Casino – “Move That Doh,” Iggy Azalea f/ Charli XCX – “Fancy,” J. Cole f/ TLC – “Crooked Smile,” Nicki Minaj – “Pills N Potions” & Wiz Khalifa – “We Dem Boyz.”

Best Collabo, Duo or Group: Eminem f/ Rihanna – “The Monster,” Future f/ Pharrell, Pusha T & Casino – “Move That Doh,” Jay Z f/ Justin Timberlake – “Holy Grail,” ScHoolboy Q f/ BJ The Chicago Kid – “Studio” & YG f/ Jeezy & Rich Homie Quan – “My Hitta.”

Best Live Performer: Drake, Jay Z, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar & T.I.

Lyricist of the Year: Drake, Eminem, J. Cole, Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar & Nicki Minaj.

Video Director of the Year: Benny Boom, Chris Robinson, Director X, Dre Films & Hype Williams

DJ of the Year: DJ Drama, DJ Envy, DJ Khaled, DJ Mustard & DJ Scream.

Producer of the Year: DJ Mustard, Drumma Boy, Hit-Boy, Mike WiLL Made It, Pharrell & Timbaland.

MVP of the Year: DJ Mustard, Drake, Future, Jay Z & Nicki Minaj.

Track of the Year: “Cut Her Off (Remix)” – Produced by Will-A-Fool (K Camp f/ Lil Boosie, YG & Too $hort), “Move That Doh” – Produced by Mike WiLL Made It (Future f/ Pharrell, Pusha T & Casino), “My Hitta” – Produced by DJ Mustard (YG f/ Jeezy & Rich Homie Quan), “Studio” – Produced by Swiff D (ScHoolboy Q f/ BJ The Chicago Kid) & “Worst Behavior” – Produced by DJ Dahi (Drake).

Album of the Year: Drake – Nothing Was the Same, Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP 2, Future – Honest, Rick Ross – Mastermind, ScHoolboy Q – Oxymoron & Yo Gotti – I Am.

Who Blew Up Award: Iggy Azalea, Migos, Rich Homie Quan, ScHoolboy Q, YG & Young Thug.

Hustler of the Year: Dr. Dre, Drake, Jay Z, Rick Ross & T.I.

Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip-Hop Style): A$AP Rocky, Jay Z, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj & Young Thug.

Best Hip Hop Online Site: AllHipHop.com,Complex.com, HotNewHipHop.com,NecoleBitchie.com, RapRadar.com &WorldStarHipHop.com

Best Club Banger: Future f/ Pharrell, Pusha T & Casino – “Move That Doh” (Produced by Mike WiLL Made It), K Camp f/ Lil Boosie, YG & Too $hort – “Cut Her Off” (Remix) (Produced by Will-A-Fool), Migos – “Fight Night” (Produced by Stack Boy Twaun), Wiz Khalifa – “We Dem Boyz” (Produced by Detail), YG f/ Jeezy & Rich Homie Quan – “My Hitta” (Produced by DJ Mustard) &Young Thug – “Stoner” (Produced by Dun Deal).

Best Mixtape: Action Bronson – Blue Chips 2, Fabolous – The Soul Tape 3, Migos – No Label 2, Rich Homie Quan – I Promise I Will Never Stop Going In & Wiz Khalifa – 28 Grams.

Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: B.o.B – “Paranoid” (Ty Dolla $ign f/ B.o.B), B.o.B – “Up Down” (Do This All Day) (T-Pain f/ B.o.B), Drake – “Who Do You Love” (YG f/ Drake), Kendrick Lamar – “Control” (Big Sean f/ Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica) & Pharrell – “Move That Doh” (Future f/ Pharrell, Pusha T & Casino)

Impact Track: Common f/ Vince Staples – “Kingdom,” Lecrae – “Nuthin,” Lupe Fiasco – “Mission,” The Roots f/ Patty Cash – “Never” & Talib Kweli f/ Abby Dobson – “State of Grace”

People’s Champ Award: Drake – “Worst Behavior,” Future f/ Pharrell, Pusha T & Casino – “Move That Doh,” Iggy Azalea f/ Charli XCX – “Fancy,” Wiz Khalifa – “We Dem Boyz”  & YG f/ Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill & Rich Homie Quan – “My Hitta” (Remix)

— Brittany C. Jackson

Twitter: @xPlatinumChanel

Former Baltimore Ravens Player Ray Rice Suspended Indefinitely From NFL!

PHOTO CREDIT: thebaltimoresun.com 

On the afternoon of Monday, September 8, 2014 former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice had indefinitely been suspended by the NFL and officially released from the infamous Maryland team. The issue surfaced when a video was revealed nationally of Rice intentionally knocking his girlfriend unconscious in an elevator. After TMZ surfaced the elevator footage of Beyonce, Jay Z, and Solange's fiasco in May, in reference to the incident Beyonce quotes in her Flawlessremix, “Of course sometimes sh*t goes down when it’s a billion dollars on an elevator!”  it would have been a smart decision of Rice to leave his poor choice of actions in private. 

Not to necessarily say that I consort with his actions, but with so much at stake, the Baltimore Ravens second draft pick of 2008 has now left his career in shambles! Due to an arrest and indictment of third-degree assault made on May 28, 2014 stating that he allegedly punched, his fiancé, now wife Janay Palmer in the face, Rice has put a burden on himself that will be hard to fix. Whether he potentially knew what he was getting himself into when performing that mighty blow towards his lover or not is beyond the issue at this tip, the NFL has shown no mercy. 

It seems as if no one will let up from the situation as of today and to be quite realistic, this is an issue that will leave Rice little to no room to prosper. With the NFL standing for more than just throwing a ball into a spiral motion in the air, they’ve molded their players into potential role models and leaders. Surely if something happens in which a player is not abiding to certain policies, consequences will be dealt. 

In May, Rice entered a pretrial intervention leading the charges to be expunged within a year and a prosecution not being made. Many will seek to ensure that issues will be handled in a proper manner while others will oppose the decisions that have been made. Despite what others may feel, Rice has demanded the necessary steps to go ahead by entering counseling with his wife to go out their publications. He knows his actions as inexcusable, but considers that nothing further can be done if he does not set out to lead his household and himself in a confident way. 

Although Ray Rice has done a fearful affair, we must not forget that he is in fact a human. Everyone makes mistakes, but domestic violence is surely nothing to be toiled with, especially in today’s society. As he proceeds to travel onward from this issue I actually hope he counts not just what he has to lose but its value in terms of his family, vocation, and deference as a person. I bid him a good face on his endeavors and hopefully we’ll be able hear about positivity from Rice in the hereafter. 

By: Alexis J. Robinson

Twitter: Theywant_BOOSIE 

Derek Jeter Day at Yankee Stadium Recap; Core Four, Michael Jordan, Cal Ripken Jr., and more.

Photo Credit: Yankees official Instagram (@ Yankees)

by: Dana P. (E.I.C.)

A star studded event it was, indeed. On Sunday September 7th, 2014, Yankee Stadium held a pregame ceremony for the captain, dedicating the day to him for "Derek Jeter Day." 

Derek Jeter was joined by his entire family; both his actual family, and his Yankee family. He was also joined by some of his closest friends, as the ceremony took place prior to the game, with everyone in attendance from his parents, to his former teammates, taking the field to show their #Re2pect to the captain. Some of Jeters former teammates included; David Cone, Tino Martinez, Paul O'Neill, Bernie Williams, Hideki Matsui, Mariano and Jorge Posada. Bernie, Mariano, Jorgie, and of course Matsui, seemed to have gotten the biggest ovations, before the man of the hour himself, Derek Jeter took over the field. 

Also at the ceremony were Joe Torre, Reggie Jackson, Tim Raines, Gerald Williams, Gene Monahan, Harold Reynolds and commissioner-elect Rob Manfred.

But here's the big question; where was Andy Pettitte? Did anyone else notice this, as he was the ONLY Core Four member missing from Derek's big day?

Other "surprise appearances" included another all time great major league shortstop, Cal Ripken Jr., as well as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history; 6 time NBA champion, 5 time MVP, 14 time All Star, 3 time All Star MVP, & Olympic Gold Medalist, number 23, Michael Jordan! 

After acknowledging every person on the field individually from his close friends, to his family and former teammates, Derek took the mic for a short speech, because well, " We got a game to play," said the Captain before handing the mic back over to take the field for their 1:05pm game.

“In my opinion, I’ve had the greatest job in the world; I’ve had the chance to be the shortstop for the New York Yankees — and there’s only one of those,” Jeter said. “I always felt as though my job was to try to provide joy and entertainment for you guys. But it can’t compare to what you’ve brought me, so for that, thank you very much.”

“I think my hand was shaking a little bit,” Jeter said. “I wanted to take this opportunity to thank them. The fans are the ones that made this fun. It’s been an extremely fun 20 seasons. When you’re out there playing, you’re out there trying to do your best. You’re playing as hard as you can and you’re doing it for the fans.” Jeter said.

The Yankees were very generous with gifts to their current shortstop. A 10 day trip to Tuscany Italy, and a donation to Derek's Turn 2 Foundation, with a HUGE check in the amount of $222,222.22, were given to the Captain as well. 

Derek Jeter took the field solo at the top of the 1st inning of his game against the Kansas City Royals. His current teammates stood in the dugout, while Jeter unexpectedly ran on the field to take shortstop, as they wanted him to get one last ovation on his big day. 

“My first thought was that I had run out there too early,” Jeter said. “I appreciate my teammates doing that for me.” Jeter said in his post game interview. 

Incase you missed Derek Jeter Day, footage of the ceremony can be seen here as well as some post game interviews with Derek, his former teammates, and close friends here.  

Kanye West Announces Release of His Yeezy IIIs

Image Credit: GQ Magazine | Photographed By: Patrick Demarchelier

Kanye West's creative juices are flowing! The Yeezus rapper recently announced that his Yeezy IIIs Adidas shoes will be available in no time. While taking a break in between performing at his Australia concert on September 4, Ye told his fans that they could expect his sneaker to be released in November.

Entertainmentwise.com snagged some details of the big announcement:

While performing in Australia he said on the microphone during a break from his music: ‘How many people in this audience wanted a pair of Yeezys?” Telling the crowd he was at his “lowest point last year” and he “heard the screams” coming from them, he was inspired to create.

Check out Kanye's exciting announcement at the 2:45 mark in this video link.

— Brittany C. Jackson

Twitter: @xPlatinumChanel

Rapper Rakim Looks To Collaborate With Fellow Hip Hop Game-Changers Jay-Z & Dr. Dre Again

Image Credit: Unknown

New York rapper Rakim recently sat down with WHO? MAG TV and revealed that he is interested in working with rap icon Jay-Z, and super-producer Dr.Dre again on a follow-up collaboration to their 2002 track "The Watcher 2." The track was originally featured on Jay-Z's Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse album and sported by bars from Dr. Dre and Rakim in addition to Truth Hurts' vocals.

Rakim told WHO? MAG TV:

That was a Dre project, man. A joint that I did for Dre. Jay Z heard it and the rest is history, man. It was definitely a good, little get together with me and Dre. You know what I mean? And hopefully we’ll do it again, man. 2014. Ya heard Jay? Ya heard Dre? Let’s do it, man. 2015, the new ‘Watcher.’ Keep watching.

The "I Ain't No Joke" rapper told XXLMag.com back in August 2013 that he was currently working on an album. While the release date is still unknown, if all goes well with the legendary MCs possibly reuniting in the studio, the trio could be gracing our ears with one lethal track once again!

Check out Rakim's take on The Watcher 2" in his WHO? MAG TV interview

​here.

— Brittany C. Jackson

Twitter: @xPlatinumChanel

Joell Ortiz Album Release Party for House Slippers at SOBs next Tuesday!

by: Dana P. (E.I.C.)

We are going to be LIVE in the building for this event! Next Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 at the Sounds Of Brazil (SOBs), Joell Ortiz will be taking over! 

Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 9pm. Get your tickets in advance here: http://m.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=5345925&pl=sobs

Tickets will also be available at the door. 

Come join us & support REAL hip hop! You NEVER KNOW what other surprise guests might pop up! 

EXCLUSIVE BACKSTAGE FOOTAGE:: The Lox & French Montana take over "Fools Gold Day Off" in Brooklyn, New York!

Remy Ma, Lil Cease, Chinx, Jadakiss, Styles P, & French Montana.

by: Dana P. (E.I.C.)

On Monday Sept 1st, 2014; my assistant and I attended the "Days Off" outdoor event at 50 Kent, in WIlliamsburg Brooklyn. Two of the "big names" scheduled to perform were The Lox, and French Montana. The lineup was STACKED with underground artists, before the The Lox, French Montana and friends took the stage.

It wasn't until about 8pm that we were actually able to get in through VIP & get our backstage access. Unfortuneatly, we missed most of the artists performances, as well as many surprise appearances from none other then Remy Ma! We also missed Cam'ron & Bobby Shmurda's performances.

Images: Brittany Jackson; Executive Assistant

We were JUST in time to catch The Lox take the stage! (Note: Styles P agreed to do an interview for us after the show outside the venue, however, all exits were final, so if we left to do the interview, we wouldnt have been able to catch the rest of the show. There's always next time tho!). Styles, Jada, and Sheek took over the 50 Kent stage for nearly an hour. They did a Tupac tribute at the end of their set, then went onto do a Biggie tribute. Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s own Lil Cease was on stage for the Biggie tribute. They gave Cease a HUGE shout out, & brought him up. The crowd was giving their fellow Brooklyn native nothing but love!

French Montana took the stage next, and so did we! Chinx joined French to perform their hit, "Feelings." Bobby Shmurda also came back on stage to join French on his remix of "Hot N***a," and they tore it up for sure! These guys REALLY know how to put on a show. The crowd was SO live & the energy was just TOO real! 

I did get to meet French, but couldn't get a pic. Very nice guy. He was actually next to me for a little bit in between sets, sweating on me! Hahah! Lil Cease was on stage with us for French's set as well, singing alone to all his songs & having an awesome time! I also had an absolutely AMAZING moment on stage, as it was more then an honor to meet a living legend. I had to do a double take for a moment, just to make sure, and it was who I thought it was. Straight from Queens, Mr. Abstract himself, Q-Tip!

I was WAY too pumped to meet this guy right here! And OH how adorable he looked! We tried to get him for an interview, unfortuneatly, he was unable to. 

Overall, amazing show. Great crowd. Super live, crazy energy. An absolute incredible experience. Fools Gold really did an OUTSTANDING job putting this show together.